Hurricanes - Archived EDEN Topic Page

This page contains information that was preserved in August 2017 when the EDEN website moved to this new system. The information here has not been, and will not be, updated. For more information on this topic, please use the EDEN Website Search function in the header. If you reached this page from a bookmark, please update that bookmark.

Tropical storms are forecast by the National Weather Service and posted on the Tropical Prediction Center portion of their National Hurricane Center Web site. This site deals with active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific out to 140°W. Predicted paths for three- and five-day forecasts are shown in graphic format under the "Maps and Charts" heading for each storm system.

As a hurricane moves inland, it may continue to produce torrential rains, and surge may follow the hurricane on shore. Watch for floodwaters that may rise hours and days after the hurricane passes. Two sources of potential flood information are

When powerful hurricanes strike land, they can leave thousands homeless, without power and with damage - physical, economic and emotional - ranging from minor problems to complete devastation. Recovery is usually a long process.

Those who lost loved ones or suffered extensive damage will focus more on coping with these losses and rebuilding their lives, rather than on physical restoration. Agencies providing recovery assistance are aware of the need for counseling, in addition to the basics for survival.

For those who experience minor to moderate damage, the first step is to minimize further damage by doing such things as patching roofs and repairing doors and windows so additional rain does not enter. Where things got wet - either from rain blowing in or from rising water - it's important to clean up and dry out as quickly as possible to prevent complications from mold growth. Damage should be documented so future claims for insurance or disaster assistance can be validated.

Extension has information that can help with small business or family financial management decisions; with coping with the stress; and with restoring home, furnishings and landscape. Extension also has the relationships with local government that can be useful in reducing community vulnerability to hazards through planning and ordinance adoption.

NOAA Forecast - 2015 Hurricane Season

On May 27, NOAA issued its outlook, predicting that an anticipated El Nino will affect the number of storms. The prediction indicates

6 to 11 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including:

3 to 6 hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which:

0 to 2 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph)

Please see the NOAA press release to read all details.

NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not predict where and when any of these storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the storm track, intensity and landfall potential.

Hurricane Preparedness Week

May 24 - May 30 was national Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help prepare residents of hurricane-prone areas, NOAA unveiled a new set of video and audio public service announcements featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator, making these available in both English and Spanish. These are available at http://www.hurricanes.gov/prepare.

August 17, 2015

Atlantic/Caribbean

There have been two named storms in the Atlantic Basin so far this year. The first named storm, Ana, made landfall on North Carolina's Oak Island as a tropical storm with maximum winds of 60 miles per hour. Tropical Storm Bill was named on June 16 and made landfall on Matagorda Island, Texas with maximum winds of 60 miles per hour.

This Google Map-based surge graphic allows viewers to choose specific locations and drill down to the street level. It provides surge forecasts in the-foot bands. Look at the bottom of the NHC Storm Surge tool page for their feedback form. We will be interested in how this tool works for educating and motivating people in the path.

Important note from the NHC Experimental Map site:

This EXPERIMENTAL map should only be used as a general guideline for understanding where storm surge flooding could occur given the current forecast situation. Regardless of what this map shows, always follow evacuation and other instructions from your local emergency management officials.

This EXPERIMENTAL map depicts the potential flooding that could be produced from storm surge during a tropical cyclone. Storm surge is water from the ocean that is pushed onshore by the force of the winds. Flooding from storm surge depends on many factors, such as the track, intensity, size, and forward speed of the tropical cyclone and the characteristics of the coastline where it comes ashore or passes nearby. These factors are difficult to predict far in advance of a hurricane affecting a particular area. This map uses the best information available at the time it is issued, including uncertainties in the track, intensity, and size forecast. It includes many assumptions and has limitations, and it cannot tell you what amount of flooding will definitely occur at any given location. Conditions and the forecast can change and will be reflected on this map with each new full NHC advisory (but not special advisories). The actual areas that could become flooded may differ from the areas shown on this map. This map accounts for tides, but not waves and not flooding caused by rainfall.

Pacific

NOAA's May Eastern Pacific hurricane season forecast was for an above-normal season. El Nino is the main climate factor. The forecast estimates a 70% chance of occurrence for:

Facts and Tracking

NOAA's Quicklook shows the predicted 5-day track and warning cone, the potential extent of tropical storm force winds, hydrographs for the tide stations that would be within the potential-impacted area, and the current National Hurricane Center advisory information (text format, under “Storm Analysis”).

StormPulse.com: EDEN has previously used and referred users to the free, private (non-governmental) Web site "StormPulse.com" to obtain interactive, graphic presentation of data from NHC and several other sources. In 2012, the providers of this site converted it to a commercial subscription service. StormPulse is providing free access to the site for educators. Use this link to apply: https://stormpulse.wufoo.com/forms/stormpulse-for-educators/

EDEN Helps Now!

When a disaster strikes, EDEN delegates help their colleagues in the affected state(s). We will update this section as details become available.

Resources found here are gathered by replies to email requests for specific types of resources, or were mentioned in Response Notes submitted by EDEN membersduring the current season. Resources submitted in previous seasons may have been cataloged in the EDEN Resource Catalog, integrated into the pages in this topic area, or remain listed on the Resources Collected page of this area.

Requests from Bicol

November 18 -- Pending approval of a proposed program for Internally Displaced Persons, BU Extension will look to EDEN to help identify resources and information materials to help people recover psychologically, emotionally, and financially. In 2012, BU Extension was able to localize family preparedness resources and are looking forward to doing the same with these additional resources.

November 15 -- EDEN first published a two-page article on International Humanitarian Relief, written by Andrea Burniske (IN) drawing from her own experience and an EDEN Delegates e-conversation in the days following the typhoon.

November 12 -- Bicol University Extension has mobilized the entire BU community for a relief operation they have dubbed Operation BULIG. Bulig means help, but it also is an acronym for Bicol University - Loving, Inspiring, Giving. They are gathering resources (cash and in kind) to donate to the affected areas.

The areas hit hardest by the typhoon and storm surge are well south of Legazpi City where Bicol University is located. The city of Tacloban has been most in the news. See The November 11 New York Times article, Mapping the Destruction of Typhoon Haiyan, for a map and pictures.

Typhoon Haiyan was devastating to hundreds of thousands in Central Philippines on November 8. EDEN delegates are staying in contact with international member Bicol University delegates to support and respond as needs are identified.

Updates

Monday, November 18

Leilani Pavilando sent a detailed update today. Bicol's efforts are now combined with Team Albay's efforts headed by Provincial Governor Joey Sarte Salceda. Albay is home province for Bicol University, Legazpi City. Bicol has also sent volunteers to assist in the repacking operations for the DSWD Regional Office and Provincial Government of Albay (Relief Operation Center for Region 8). In addition, BU volunteers have joined search and rescue and other assistance operations. A Response Note was created to capture the full details of her email.

EDEN delegate Nathaniel Tablante is from the Philippines and still has family there. He is closely following the recovery efforts and has provided EDEN with USAID updates. Nathaniel is currently on sabbatical from University of Maryland and working as AVMA/AAAS Congressional Fellow in the office of Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA02).

Friday, November 15

EDEN first published a two-page article on International Humanitarian Relief, written by Andrea Burniske (IN) drawing from her own experience and an EDEN Delegates e-conversation in the days following the typhoon.

Virginia Morgan White received a second update from Bicol University Extension Director and EDEN delegate Leilani Pavilando. The updates were used to create two Response Notes documenting Bicol's recovery efforts.

EDEN Helps Now!

Virginia M. White (AL), International Member Liaison, and Pete Barcinas (Guam) are co-leading the EDEN effort to assist Bicol. Leilani Pavilando, the director of the Extension Service at Bicol, has indicated they are gathering cash and in kind donations to send to the affected areas and they are gearing up to help deal with the emotional trauma of the event. On November 18, an updated report from Leilani included a request for resources in support of Bicol Extension's proposed program to assist Internally Displaced Persons. The request and update were submitted as a Response Note.

Information about International donations began circulating and a web page was developed to share the considerable experience of our delegates in this area. The first product of that effort was published November 15, 2013, in the Resilient Communities section of EDEN Families and Communities

Typhoon Haiyan was devastating to hundreds of thousands in Central Philippines on November 8, 2013. EDEN delegates stayed in contact with international member Bicol University delegates to support and respond as needs are identified. The following chronicles the efforts.

Updates

Monday, November 18

Leilani Pavilando sent a detailed update today. Bicol's efforts are now combined with Team Albay's efforts headed by Provincial Governor Joey Sarte Salceda. Albay is home province for Bicol University, Legazpi City. Bicol has also sent volunteers to assist in the repacking operations for the DSWD Regional Office and Provincial Government of Albay (Relief Operation Center for Region 8). In addition, BU volunteers have joined search and rescue and other assistance operations. A Response Note was created to capture the full details of her email.

EDEN delegate Nathaniel Tablante is from the Philippines and still has family there. He is closely following the recovery efforts and has provided EDEN with USAID updates. Nathaniel is currently on sabbatical from University of Maryland and working as AVMA/AAAS Congressional Fellow in the office of Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA02).

Friday, November 15

EDEN first published a two-page article on International Humanitarian Relief, written by Andrea Burniske (IN) drawing from her own experience and an EDEN Delegates e-conversation in the days following the typhoon.

Virginia Morgan White received a second update from Bicol University Extension Director and EDEN delegate Leilani Pavilando. The updates were used to create two Response Notes documenting Bicol's recovery efforts.

EDEN Helps Now!

Virginia M. White (AL), International Member Liaison, and Pete Barcinas (Guam) are co-leading the EDEN effort to assist Bicol. Leilani Pavilando, the director of the Extension Service at Bicol, has indicated they are gathering cash and in kind donations to send to the affected areas and they are gearing up to help deal with the emotional trauma of the event. On November 18, an updated report from Leilani included a request for resources in support of Bicol Extension's proposed program to assist Internally Displaced Persons. The request and update were submitted as a Response Note.

Information about International donations began circulating and a web page was developed to share the considerable experience of our delegates in this area. The first product of that effort was published November 15, 2013, in the Resilient Communities section of EDEN Families and Communities

Extension and EDEN (National) engaged in response and recovery activities for two hurricanes in 2012. See these pages:

Hurricane Isaac - August 2012 Hurricane Isaac struck the Louisiana coast in an area impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005) and Gustav and Ike (2008).

Hurricane Sandy - October 2012 Hurricane Sandy struck the mid-Atlantic coast, going ashore near the New Jersey - New York border. This area was hit in Hurricane Irene in 2011.

Both storms were Category 1 but the path and forward speed were such that surge was higher than had been expected and, in the case of Isaac, flooded areas that had been spared by the hurricanes in 2005 and 2008. Sandy was a surge event, whereas Irene (2011) was most noted for the inland flooding brought on by Irene's intense rain. The failure of Irene to produce the predicted storm surge resulted in many people in the Sandy impact area not heeding evacuation advisories.

Extension educators and agents: If you were in the path of a tropical storm, let us know how your are. If you are engaged in preparedness, damage reduction and/or recovery efforts,
please SEND US A NOTE either by email
or using our online form.

Use the event name "Hurricanes 2012"

EDEN Helps Now

EDEN began its coverage of the 2012 hurricane season in late June with an eye on Tropical Storm Debby, which was threatening the north-central Gulf coast states. Siginificant response efforts were mounted for Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy, which have their own response records in the EDEN Hurricanes topic page 2012 Season directory.

The 2012 season information is archived in the Hurricane Sandy page.

Hurricane Isaac began as a tropical wave off the west coast of Africa on August 15, became a tropical depression on August 21 and a tropical storm later the same day. Tropical Storm Isaac reached winds of 70mph as its newly developed eye crossed the southwest part of Haiti on August 25. Isaac became a hurricane at mid-day on August 28 about 75 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Isaac first made landfall at 6:45PM on August 28 just southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The eye moved back over water off southeast Louisiana and very slowly moved back onshore near Port Fourchon at 2:15AM on August 29. Top sustained winds were about 80mph with higher gusts. By 2:00PM on August 29, Isaac had weakened to a tropical depression. But, because of its slow movement and storm surge and high tides, it became a major flood event. Heavy rain eventually spread as far north as Illinois. Rainfall totaled more than 20-inches near New Orleans; 18-inches in Palm Beach County, Florida; 17-inches at Kiln, Mississippi and 16.5-inches in Vero Beach, Florida.

Storm surge reached 11-feet in Shell Beach, Louisiana and 8.3-feet in Hancock County Mississippi. Earthen levees were overtopped in Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana on August 29 resulting in the flooding of 800 homes and necessitating the rescue of 115 people near Braithwaite. Two people died in that flooding.

During its trek through the gulf, Isaac spread heavy rain and some isolated tornadoes from the Carolinas and Georgia, through Florida and Alabama and had its greatest impact in Mississippi and Louisiana.

At least 41 deaths, mostly in Haiti and the Dominican Republic were directly attributed to the storm. Five deaths occurred in the United States. Early damage estimates were pegged at $3-billion and, at the height of the storm, well over a million utility customers were without power.

Extension organizations throughout the Gulf region helped residents prepare for and recover from Isaac. In Alabama, Extension personnel assisted in damage assessment, crop surveys, and dissemination of information on flood recovery and West Nile Virus.

Extension personnel from the LSU AgCenter also made preparation and recovery information available, including Spanish-language publications as the storm approached. Systems put in place following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita worked well.

And in Mississippi, information about sheltering, animal safety and incident management was distributed. Extension helped staff the state EOC in support of ESFs 6, 8 and 11.

- Summarized by Rick Atterberry

Facts and Tracking

On August 9, NOAA revised upward the seasonal prediction for named storms and hurricanes. See "NOAA Forecast - 2012 Hurricane Season" on the EDEN Hurricanes home page .

NOAA's Quicklook shows the predicted 5-day track and warning cone, the potential extent of tropical storm force winds, hydrographs for the tide stations that would be within the potential-impacted area, and the current National Hurricane Center advisory information (text format, under “Storm Analysis”).

StormPulse.com: EDEN has previously used and referred users to the free, private (non-governmental) Web site "StormPulse.com" to obtain interactive, graphic presentation of data from NHC and several other sources. In 2012, the providers of this site converted it to a commercial subscription service. StormPulse is providing free access to the site for educators. Use this link to apply: https://stormpulse.wufoo.com/forms/stormpulse-for-educators/

Hurricanes, Flooding and West Nile

CDC Telebriefing on West Nile Virus Update

Following Hurricane Isaac, the CDC addressed the relationship between hurricanes and flooding and the spread of West Nile. This excerpt appears also on the Current Situation page.

LYLE PETERSEN: And now I'd like to say a few words about Hurricane Isaac and the question of how it might affect the spread of West Nile virus. Previous experience has shown that floods and hurricanes do not typically result in increased transmission of West Nile virus. Thus, we expect Hurricane Isaac will likely have no noticeable effect on the current West Nile epidemic. Nevertheless, small increases in the numbers of West Nile cases were noted in some areas of Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. These were thought to be due to increased outdoor exposure that occurred when houses were severely damaged and during recovery efforts. CDC has reached out to health departments in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee to alert them of the situation and offer assistance. In light of the ongoing risk for West Nile virus infection, it's important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

We encourage everyone to use insect repellent when you go outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants. Use air conditioning if possible. Empty stands water from items outside your home, such as gutters, kiddie pools and birdbaths. In response to this year's outbreak, CDC works closely with state and local health departments particularly in areas hardest hit by the epidemic. As I noted earlier, nearly half of this year's West Nile virus cases have occurred in Texas. A majority of the cases there have been in the Dallas area. CDC has had the privilege of working with the Texas department of state health services in Dallas County and other county departments to help protect people from the West Nile virus. They've done a great job. Dr. Lakey is going to give an update about the situation in Texas. Dr. Lakey?

Questioner: Thank you so much for taking my call. I had a question about the point that was made earlier, looking at the hurricane, you said that there had historically been an uptick, is that right after? You assume because there was so much standing water, the services that might have gone to mosquito abatement may have been used elsewhere, an uptick later do you mean never or later?

LYLE PETERSEN: What has been observed in the past, we have had a lot of experience with vector-borne diseases and hurricanes and floods. What has been observed in the past that these don't really have a big impact on overall incident of disease. The reason is, because, it's because, these hurricanes and flood events tend to disrupt the entire ecology of the area and interrupt this natural transmission cycle between birds and mosquitoes. The virus normally exists in. And so, the end result is, really hurricanes and floods don't have a major impact on our virus transmission. But, naturally, before the hurricane happened, there were plenty of West Nile virus infected mosquitoes out there in the environment. And so, what happens -- what was observed in Louisiana, was, after Katrina, was that, people who were out, houses were destroyed. They were living out in the elements; there were a lot of workers out there and homeowners taking care of downed trees and the like. Outdoors and exposed to the West Nile virus-infected mosquitos already there. In some areas, where it was looked at, there was a small transient increase in West Nile virus transmission following hurricane Katrina, but if you look at the overall picture the hurricane really is not expected to have a major impact at all on what's happening across the country.

Resource Requests and Response Notes

EDEN has received no requests for assistance, but some resources have been volunteered. See the Resources Collected page.

Response Notes for Hurricane Isaac were received from three states and portions are posted on the following pages:

If you are responding to or aiding long term recovery from Isaac, please send in a Response Note.
Select Hurricanes 2012 as the event name.

EDEN Helps Now!

EDEN initiated tracking of Tropical Storm Isaac on August 23 and continues to make daily updates. Virginia Morgan, chair, represented EDEN on the National VOAD conference call Friday August 24, as the voluntary organizations - our outreach partners for disaster - ready themselves for Isaac's impacts. She will continue to participate throughout the response and recovery phases. Virginia also reached out to Gulf Coast insititutional PoCs and Puerto Rico and American Virgin Islands PoCs, offering EDEN support. The Flood NEIL is on standby to provide expertise and resources to those states impacted by flooding.

Resource Requests

September 1. At this point, Louisiana has made no requests for assistance.

Response Notes Digest

SituationAwareness:

The forecast path for Isaac has been consistent thru the day Monday, and takes the storm directly toward the mouth of the Mississippi River. By COB Monday the NHC had raised the prediction to possible Cat2 before it strikes the southern tips of Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes.
We have not felt the storm's physical effects yet - other than slightly higher than normal tides - but it is NOT business as usual in south Louisiana.

ImpactUni:

LSU Baton Rouge and LSU AgCenter have announced campus closures for Tuesday and Wednesday. Throughout the day we have received notices from our parish offices in SE Louisiana that they are closing (as their host governments are closing).

UniResponseEfforts:

LSU AgCenter/Extension began responding to the potential threat last week, updating the 2012 hurricane pages, advancing to the field information about our printed and online preparedness and recovery resources. We are promoting especially the factsheets we update and translated to Spanish with the Special Needs funding received from USDA-NIFA. Another article was released today (Monday).

La Extension-Mitigation group is a partner of Louisiana VOAD and is participating in state and national VOAD calls. Also, LSU Extension representative to LaVOAD will staff the LaVOAD seat in the state EOC Wednesday.

SOPs for livestock operations and recovery were prepared by Extension Veterninarian Christine Navarre. These have been distributed to field agents, reminding them to work with and through the parish EOCs and ESF-11.

AgCenter/Extension Administration continued to meet through the weekend with multiple daily briefings from delegate Maurice Wolcott; Maurice is connected also with Louisiana Sea Grant and that network.

Employees have been alerted to the potential danger, advised with respect to protecting their office assets during the storm, carrying copies of their unit SCOOPs, reporting-in after the event and sheltering available to them at the 4-H camp in central Louisiana.

UseofEDENResourcs:

We have continued to update the EDEN Hurricane page and arranged for Rick Atterberry to take over postings.

CommentsKudos:

Systems we put in place post Katrina/Rita appear to be working well, internally and at the state emergency management operations level.

DisasterInstitution:

Louisiana State University - P. Skinner 8/27 6:00 p.m.

Resource Requests

September 1: At this point, Mississippi has made no requests for assistance.

Response Notes Digest

SituationAwareness:

Preparations for Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac. Mississippi has declared a gubernatorial declaration of emergency and activated the Mississippi National Guard in anticipation of flooding and high winds along the bottom half of the state. Voluntary evacuation requests have been issued by emergency managers for Coastal counties, and others who have determined to stay the storm are receiving life safety tips from Extension and local emergency managers for maintaining personal protection and health and safety for their families during the coming 96 hours.

ImpactUni:

At 1 p.m. Monday, MSU Extension Service Director Gary Jackson closed Extension offices in four southernmost counties in order to allow evacuation of staff and equipment from facilities in low lying areas of Coast. Fifteen foot swells are anticipated if Isaac makes landfall at New Orleans. Anticipated weather issues will close an additional 23 county offices Tuesday and Wednesday across the bottom one-third of state, which is expected to be hardest hit by straight-line winds of 70 miles per hour or even tornado like conditions from the deteriorating Isaac. Extension Service Emergency Contact Elmo Collum is at the State EOC in support of ESFs 6, 8, and 11.

UniResponseEfforts:

MSU Extension Ag Communications is distributing news releases about sheltering, animal safety and shelter provisions, and incident management during a declared emergency. FCS staff is on standby if shelters are opened Monday or Tuesday.

UseofEDENResourcs:

MSU Extension is utilizing EDEN gathered information from a variety of outlets. Ag Communications and all department are using websites and other contact expertise to get the word out to the public before the storm that falls within a week of Katrina's landfill in 2005.

DisasterInstitution:

Mississippi State University T. Ball 8/27 3:15 p.m.

Last Updated: December 22

Massachusetts received a disaster declaration (for Public Assistance only) on December 19th.

As restoration efforts begin, survivors are learning about the new flood insurance reforms that will impact their future finances. For more on this, see

The major impacts of Hurricane (Superstorm) Sandy are from flooding - by saltwater. Find flood recovery resources on the EDEN Floods and Flooding pages

The President has signed Disaster Declarations for eight states. DR numbers (below) are linked to the declaration pages on FEMA's website, where detail is provided on counties declared, instructions for registering for assistance, the types of assistance available and locations of Disaster Recovery Centers:

EDEN delegates are urged to enter Response Notes into the system. so needs and activities can be shared with USDA and be archived learning-experiences for EDEN delegates at other institutions in future disasters.

FEMA's "One Week Later" Summary

Hurricane Sandy - One Week Later – More than $210 Million Approved in Individual Assistance

One week ago today, millions of Americans from North Carolina to Maine braced for Hurricane Sandy. For more than 12 hours, hurricane and tropical storm force winds, storm surge, and flooding impacted 12 states; and more than eight million people lost power. Transportation systems in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, DC came to a halt, and more than 12,000 commercial flights were grounded. And for the first time since 1888, the New York Stock Exchange was closed for two consecutive days because of a natural disaster. But we are a resilient nation:

Specialists from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors.

FEMA has activated, at the request of the states, its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program for New Jersey and New York. This program allows eligible survivors who cannot return to their homes due to damages caused by Hurricane Sandy to stay in participating hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.

Looking ahead to the winter storm forecasted to hit the East Coast Wednesday evening, FEMA is urging residents to be safe as cold weather temperatures threaten areas impacted by the Hurricane Sandy. The risk of fires increases with the use of supplemental heating, such as space heaters and any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential carbon monoxide source. Ensure both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and if using a generator keep it as far away from your home as possible – away from doors, windows or vents that could allow deadly carbon monoxide into the home.

Sandy - Forecast Path at Landfall

Sandy as she hit the coast creating record surge levels on the Jersey shore and Long Island. Inland rain was less than for last year's Hurricane Irene. Sandy was met on the west by a winter storm and thus dumped significant snow in West Virginia. A week later, the area was hit by a Nor'easter, which interrupted recovery operations and caused additional power outages, while dropping temperatures to dangerous levels for those without power.

Resource Requests and Response Notes

Requests for assistance in response to Hurricane Sandy can be found on the Current Requests page. Additional resources have been volunteered. See the Resources Collected page.

Response Notes for Hurricane Sandy have begun to come in. North Carolina was first to file. Reports have been received also from New York, and two from states outside the impact area offering assistance (Indiana and Illinois). Extracts of these notes will be posted on individual state-experience pages.

North Carolina Experience

New York

Indiana

Illinois

If you are responding to - Sandy, please send in a Response Note.
Select Hurricanes 2012 as the event name.

Presidential Declarations of Emergency

FEMA got out ahead of the storm in the Disrict of Columbia and the following states (except West Virginia). The President signed Emergency Declarations for DC and states marked (EM).

Connecticut (EM-3353)

Delaware (EM-3357)

District of Columbia (EM-3352)

Maine

Maryland (EM-3349)

Massachusetts (EM-3350)

New Hampshire (EM-3360)

New Jersey (EM-3354)

New York (EM-3351)

North Carolina

Pennsylvania (EM-3356)

Rhode Island (EM-3355)

Vermont

Virginia (EM 3359)

West Virginia (EM 3358)

EDEN Helps Now!

November 14 - EDEN's Flood NEIL hosted a second conference call for delegates in affected states. The first call was held November 5. EDEN has created a "Sandy Recovery" collaboration space for document sharing and communication within the recovery group. All EDEN delegates can access the space; only members of the group can contribute. Login is required.

October 28 - EDEN ECOP Liaison, Paul Coreil, offered assistance to directors and program administrators of Extension programs in the affected states. The specific, and unusual, offer was for EDEN to create back-up capability for critial web-based communications and outreach resources for each state, to be used if the member's websites were taken off line by the storm.

EDEN initiated tracking of Sandy on October 23 and newly-installed EDEN Chair, Rick Atterberry, sent a first all-delegates alert on October 26. A second alert was sent October 27 which included the names of the states in which FEMA has initiated response activities: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. Delegates are encouraged to submit Response Notes.

Flooding is a major concern in the affected areas. See the Floods and Flooding Topic page for information on flood impacts and additional resources.

September 15, PM: Maria attained H1 status after passing west of Bermuda, It is forecast to stay well off the coast as it continues on NNE path.

September 15: T.S. Lee was responsible for fanning wildfires in Texas as it moved through south-central Louisiana, and its remnants brought near record flooding in the northeast. Texas added to a growing number of Fire Management Assistance and Presidential Disaster Declarations for fires. Pennsylvania and New York received Presidential emergency declarations during the response followed by Presidential disaster declarations on September 12 and 13th, respectively. T.S. Lee has been added as an event name in EDEN Response Notes.

September 2: GIS/GeoSpatial data for Hurricane Irene has been made available by the Geospatial Working group. Visit the Hurricane Irene page for access to the GIS/GeoSpatial Data inventory list and for continuing updates and Extension activities related to Irene.

FEMA has announced a shift in its recovery funding strategy for the many disasters open across the country. New rebuilding projects are being held at the stage just prior to final commitment of Federal funds so emergency expenditures can be made from the dwindling disaster fund. Congress has been asked to replenish the disaster fund. This type of action is not unprecedented.

NOAA's Quicklook shows the predicted 5-day track and warning cone, the potential extent of tropical storm force winds, hydrographs for the tide stations that would be within the potential-impacted area, and the current National Hurricane Center advisory information (text format, under “Storm Analysis”).

StormPulse.com: For interactive, graphic presentation of data from NHC and several other sources, visit the private (non-governmental) Web site: http://www.stormpulse.com.

NOAA Forecast - 2011 Hurricane Season

Hurricanes Karl, Igor and Julia (from left to right on Sept. 16) were part of the onslaught of Atlantic storms last hurricane season (2010). Credit: NOAA

NOAA is predicting that tropical storm activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes this season.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which began June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:

12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:

6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:

3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood.

Climate factors considered for this outlook are:

The continuing high activity era. Since 1995, the tropical multi-decadal signal has brought ocean and atmospheric conditions conducive for development in sync, leading to more active Atlantic hurricane seasons.

Warm Atlantic Ocean water. Sea surface temperatures where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic are up to two degrees Fahrenheit warmer than average.

La Niña, which continues to weaken in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to dissipate in May or June, but its impacts such as reduced wind shear are expected to continue into the hurricane season.

NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not predict where and when any of these storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the storm track, intensity and landfall potential.

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane
Jose, located several hundred miles east-northeast of the
southeastern Bahamas.

1. A tropical wave located about 600 miles southwest of the Cabo Verde
Islands is producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity.
Some gradual development of this system is possible over the next
several days while it moves westward at around 15 mph across the
tropical Atlantic.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.

2. A large area of disturbed weather located near the west coast of
Africa is producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity.
Some gradual development of this system is possible over the next
several days while it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph across the far
eastern tropical Atlantic.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical
Depression Fifteen-E, located several hundred miles southwest
of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, and on
recently upgraded Tropical Storm Max, located near the southwest
coast of Mexico.

1. A broad area of low pressure is located several hundred miles south
of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. Shower
activity continues to show signs of organization, and a tropical
depression is expected to form within the next couple of days while
the system moves slowly northwestward. For more information on
this system, please see High Seas Forecasts issued by the National
Weather Service.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...80 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...high...90 percent.

2. An area of low pressure located about 1500 miles east-southeast of
the Hawaiian Islands is producing persistent shower and thunderstorm
activity. Satellite imagery indicates that a well-defined center
does not currently exist and additional development, if any, is
expected to be slow to occur while this system moves little during
the next several days.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.

High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service can be
found under AWIPS header NFDHSFEPI, WMO header FZPN02 KWBC, and on
the web at http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/shtml/NFDHSFEPI.shtml.

Public Advisories on Max are issued under WMO header WTPZ31 KNHC
and under AWIPS header MIATCPEP1.
Forecast/Advisories on Max are issued under WMO header WTPZ21 KNHC
and under AWIPS header MIATCMEP1.

Forecaster Zelinsky

September 15 : Maine (which did not receive a Presidential emergency declaration) received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Irene on September 13. Of the jurisdictions that received Presidential declarations of emergency for Irene, three have not received disaster declarations at this point: Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

GIS/GeoSpatial data for Irene: The GeoSpatial WorkGroup is providing an extensive listing of "Geospatial Information and Remotely Sensed Imagery Products" for Hurricane Irene. Forwarded to EDEN by our NIFA Liaison, Bill Hoffman. We will update as later versions are received.Click here for the MSWord file.

Damage from Hurricane Irene has strained the disaster fund managed by FEMA. Restoration funding for prior disasters - including the spring tornadoes and floods along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers - is being deferred, so funds can be available for emergency response efforts. Congressional action is required to enhance the disaster fund. The situation is not unprecedented.

Pennsylvannia, Vermont, ten coastal statesand the District of Columbia received Presidential Declarations of Emergency for Irene. Puerto Rico was the first U.S. interest to receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Irene (August 27); it has been joined by North Carolina, New York,New Jersey (August 31), Vermont (September 1), Connecticut (September 2), five declared on September 3: New Hampshire, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Rhode Island; and Maine (September 13).

The Crux of the Problem

Wind and surge effects from Irene along our Atlantic coast, while significant, were generally less than expected. The high-population centers were spared. Inland rain, however,has been, and continues to be, the responsible for the greatest destruction and loss of life - with the most devastating effects being felt in New Jersey, Vermont and New York.

The principal impacts of Hurricane Irene were felt miles from the coast, where torrential rains fell on already-saturated soils and in the hills. The graphic here is the last we captured in a long series of similar images that document why forecasters said the major impact of Irene would be inland flooding.

The green and yellow overlay, with hints of orange, is the radar image.

EDEN Helps

EDEN responded to Irene first by tracking its progress on the 2011 Hurricane Season page and later creating this page and section to capture the recovery and Extension's involvement. Throughout the event EDEN web management sent periodic updates to delegates. Once the storm had passed, EDEN created an event name in the Response Notes system and encouraged delegates to share their response and recovery situation, needs and activities.

EDEN/eXtension Hosted a conference call Friday, September 2, at 1:00 EDT for EDEN POCs in the affected states who wished to learn more about resources available for recovering from floods. The call was led by Ken Hellevang. Vermont participants indicated they have used EDEN resources extensively. The Vermont website links to many useful tools offered directly by delegates or through the EDEN and eXtension sites. Identified issues were corn, hay and soybean crops, and produce (primarily a concern of commercial producers).

Preparing for the Unimaginable - Louisiana Lessons Learned

Comparisons have been made between Irene's potential impact on the upper Atlantic coast and the catastrophic effects of Katrina and Rita along the northern Gulf Coast. On August 26, Louisiana Extension reminded EDEN that helpful information may be found in its 2007 Journal of Extension Article, True Colors Shining Through: Cooperative Extension Strengths in Time of Disaster. The message was rebroadcast through Extension social media and EDEN Chair, Virginia Morgan established contact with EDEN POCs in states in Irene's path.

JOE Article Abstract and Lessons Learned
Responding to the destruction brought to Louisiana by hurricanes Katrina and Rita proved extraordinarily challenging for the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LCES). Responding to and recovering from such widespread destruction also provided valuable insights into the vital services that state Cooperative Extension Services have the capability to provide. In this Commentary, we share just a few of the insights we gained from surviving these disasters and provide some "lessons learned" that we hope you will find valuable as you consider the essential roles you play in your communities.

Lessons Learned from Katrina and Rita

Have a plan to account for personnel in times of disaster.

Be prepared to print publications (or have inventory) that can meet immediate needs post-disaster.

Be prepared to lose communication technology: have contingency plans, use satellite phone technology, and bring in mobile Internet connectivity that can run on generated power.

Have emergency fuel stocks in place for travel and portable generator power needed to re-establish connectivity in disaster areas.

Have a list of emergency contact information available for all personnel.

Have an emergency housing and business re-establishment plan.

Be prepared to set up emergency livestock rescue operations.

Be prepared to deal with animal carcass disposal.

Be prepared to deal with rescued companion animals (primarily cats and dogs) following a flood event.

Have a pre-established volunteer management plan in place.

Have in place a plan to accept, manage, and fairly allocate donations.

Be prepared to put in place a system for accepting and fairly allocating internal organizational financial donations.

Be patient, and be prepared to take risks and empower employees to get the job done on the ground with minimal interference--but with willingness and offer to help in any way necessary.

Collaborate with other entities for disaster management, considering how the organizations should work together for maximum assistance.

Recognize that disasters can provide a valuable "teachable moment." Providing information to people in crisis can help them learn and move forward as they pick up the pieces.

Recovery and learning continues. One notable, relevant advance has been establshing a practice of offering its state 4-H youth camp as an evacuation shelter for extension and research personnel and their families.

2010 was a relatively quiet season for the Atlantic Basin and Gulf. As we entered September, only one Tropical Storm/Hurricane (Alex) had warranted a Presidential declaration of emergency or disaster. Bonnie bounced on and off shore in the northern Gulf, aggravating oil spill recovery operations but causing little other damage. Colin, Danielle, Fiona, Gaston, Igor and Julia spun themselve out in the Atlantic.

Things heated up when Earl reached Category 4 status on September 2, after leaving the Bahamas. It diminished rapidly, striking a glancing blow to North Carolina and Virginina and delivering tropical storm winds and rains to the Cap Cod area. Karl crossed the Yucatan as a tropical storm and intensified rapidly before making landfall in Mexico.

Hermine, which formed in the southwest Gulf came ashore September 6, as a Tropical Storm near the Mexico/Texas border, moving north through central Texas. EDEN delegate at TAMU, Andy Vestal, provided this brief report on September 9:

"We have pushed EDEN and TexasEDEN Web resources out through a network of almost 100 county Extension agents in 58 counties. During Tuesday and Wednesday the storm cut a swath about 200 miles wide and 600 long across the state. We had some significant flooding and flash flooding issues across the state with some swift water rescues and few deaths from drowning after entering low water crossings in vehicles. Several tornados touched down and we are still braving some flooding today but the brunt of the storm is past."

EDEN Response Notes - Should these storms threaten U.S. interests, the EDEN Response Notes system will allow delegates to informally share their storm impacts, preparations, and response activities, This is the best way to let EDEN and USDA know when help is needed.

Tropical storms are forecast by the National Weather Service and posted on the Tropical Prediction Center portion of their National Hurricane Center Web site. This site deals with active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific out to 140°W. Predicted paths for three- and five-day forecasts are shown in graphic format under the "Maps and Charts" heading for each storm system.

As a hurricane moves inland, it may continue to produce torrential rains, and surge may follow the hurricane on shore. Watch for floodwaters that may rise hours and days after the hurricane passes. Two sources of potential flood information are

For the most up-to-date information, see the NHC RSS feed at the bottom of this page. Or, for a more interactive, graphic presentation of data from NHC and several other sources, visit the private (non-government) Web site: http://www.stormpulse.com.

Setting up a Resource Hotline

Network participants were invited to use this EDEN page to request resources they had been unable to locate. Consumers were encouraged to seek information first from their state Extension Service (State Directory) . The instructions were simple:

If you have resources on subjects not found in EDEN's hurricane pages, please share.

If you are looking for a resource on a particular subject that has not been addressed, please make us aware of your need.

If you have information that is not published but could be posted here as personal communication, we would also appreciate that.

The following needs for information have been identified and not yet satisfied:

Operation No Fences: Horse and Cattle Relief

The following appeared on the EDEN Hurricane Issues Page "home page" for Hurricane Ike:

As as Result of Hurricane Ike, Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia has request immediate relief to rescue and support 20,000 head of cattle and 100 horses that are free ranging in Chambers, Jefferson and possibly other Texas Gulf Coast counties due to 12'-20' surf surge from Hurricane Ike. These animals have been without food and only have salt water resources. Ninety percent of the fences in the area were destroyed. Estimated cattle losses at this time (September 17, 2008) is 5,000 head. Texas AgriLife Extension Service, or the Texas A&M System, and State Emergency Management Council agency has stood up a resource staging area, feed collection and transportation network to address the most immediate needs. Immediate needs are as follows:

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, at the time they occurred, were the first and fourth largest natural disasters to have hit the United States. EDEN was by then a fully formed national network, and provided excellent support to the states that were reeling in the aftermath of these catastrophic events.

This page captures some of the ways EDEN utilized its web site to help Extension across the country help Extension in the impacted states in the early days of recovery. The sections below, and the associated "Road to Recovery" page, are examples of some specific Extension-to-Extension activity that was supported by the Web site. In additon to these web-based activities, EDEN held meetings and conference calls in which EDEN delegates in the impacted states could share their experiences and seek guidance or other forms of assistance, and EDEN could learn how it could help its members.

Testimonials to the work of Extension and to EDEN's role are found also in a pair of USDA Partners videos, which can be found on this USDA web site.

We make these archived page available for is possible use as a guide to future recovery activities, even though some links on the pages may no longer function.

Creating Resource Guides for Evacuees

EDEN produced resource guides for the three states most severely impacted by Katrina and Rita, compiling resources from each state and designing a cover page to go with each one. In general, the introductory text read as shown below for Texas:

"If your community is housing evacuees from [Texas] due to Hurricane [Rita], there is information these displaced persons need to know if they plan to return home.
"Below are a number of resources provided by [Texas] Extension that will be helpful in the transition. You are encouraged to print off some or all of these resources and create a hard copy package to be handed out to those who plan to return to their home/property. A cover page is available in the left-hand column for you to download and place on top of the information package."

The three resource guides are still available on the Purdue (EDEN Communications) web stie.

Determining and Meeting Extension Needs

EDEN asked what was needed by Extension in the impacted states and posted the responses on this issues page.

Do you have specific needs as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita? Please send them to Abigail Borron at aborron@purdue.edu or call her at 765-494-4390. Be sure to include enough detail, as well as your name and contact information.

How to assemble documentation to apply for FEMA and SBA assistance (if the states provide relief funds, North Carolina has a web-based program that was used this last year that could be a starting point for a state program.)

Financial management for recipients of FEMA and SBA and other financial assistance

In need of ready-to-use first aid kits for shelters and people on the coast. Contact: Jane Clary (Mississippi State Univ.), Associate Extension Professor, Dept. of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. Email: jclary@humansci.msstate.edu

Issuing Requests for Resources

EDEN asked - and shared answers: Do you have available resources (specifically Web-based educational materials that have been helpful for you in the past) that can be utilized in the recovery phases of these hurricanes? Please send them to Abigail Borron at aborron@purdue.edu or call her at 765-494-4390. Be sure to include a URL if applicable, or how your resource can be attained.

Expertise Offered through EDEN

Do you have an educational expertise that could be utilized in the recovery phases of these hurricanes? Please send a description, along with your name and contact information to Abigail Borron at aborron@purdue.edu or call her at 765-494-4390. (Note: If you are interested in volunteering labor efforts, please see EDEN's section on Donations and Volunteering).

This page is an archived page from EDEN's Hurricane Katrina/Rita response effort. It remain posted though some links, due to the passage of time and deletion of resources, may no longer work.

Your Cooperative Extension Service conducts programs that touch almost every aspect of everyday life, so the County Extension office is a good place to turn for the specific know-how of restoring homes, gardens, furnishings and businesses - and perhaps making improvements as you rebuild and restore.

EDEN member states catalog their disaster resources in a searchable database so they can be more easily retrieved for a specific state, disaster type, aspect, keyword and other parameter. Some basic searches that may be useful during hurricane recovery are produced by clicking on these links :

The additional resources listed in the next section were offered by EDEN members in response to an e-mail request after a recent event. Some may be in the EDEN catalog or in the list of Extension disaster education websites (paragraph 1, above). These resources have NOT been reviewed by the EDEN Web group prior to posting; however, only Extension, Land Grant College, state or federal agency, or national association websites have been included.

Resources in Spanish

What is 4-H Doing and How Can You Help?

This is an archived page from 2005. Some links and contact information may no longer be valid.

In Louisiana

Although it’s impossible to arrange for club exchanges with specific clubs at this time, a database has been prepared to keep track of those requests to facilitate making assignments in a few months. If you and/or your club are interested, begin by writing letters of caring and encouragement to Operation 4-H Adoption, Louisiana 4-H Office, P.O. Box 25100, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70894-5100. The individual or group will then be matched with 4-H members and clubs impacted by Hurricane Katrina and the exchange can begin.

Current Opportunities for Support

A fund has been setup in the Louisiana 4-H Foundation for several purposes:

to provide assistance for Extension agents who have lost their homes and/or contents;

to provide materials and assistance for "dislocated/relocated" 4-H members;

to provide essentials for evacuees located at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center; and

to restore facilities, equipment and supplies as needed for the 2006 4-H summer camping program at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center

If individuals or 4-H clubs wish to make a donation, please send checks to the

Louisiana 4-H Foundation

PO Box 25100

Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5100.

Make checks payable to the Louisiana 4-H Foundation and in the memo field of the check, put Relief Fund for Extension agents, 4-H members, Evacuees, or Grant Walker or any combination. Donations are tax deductible and receipts will be sent for your contribution. All funds will be distributed as directed and no funds will be used for administrative purposes.

If you would like to donate via credit card, you may do so via our website at http://www.La4HFoundation.org or by calling our office and giving us the needed information. The phone number is (225) 578-2196.

In Mississippi

The Mississippi Operation 4-H Relief is the way 4-H members, volunteers and staff are reaching out to families and children affected by Hurricane Katrina. Here is how you can contribute to the cause:

1) "Letters of Caring and Hope" – For 4-H members around the country who are searching for ways they can support Mississippi youth, write encouraging letters. Send letters to: Mississippi Operation 4-H Relief--Letters of Caring & Hope, Box 9641, MS State, MS 39762 If they are sent UPS -- %Operation 4-H Relief, 204 Bost Extension Center, MS State, MS 39762 The letters will be distributed through 4-H Agents, youth and adult volunteers to young people affected by the hurricane.

2) Mississippi Operation 4-H Relief Activity Kits: For the families and young people in shelters or in isolated areas without power and services, the days are getting long and the young people are getting restless, we have designed activity boxes. These boxes are full of supplies and have lesson plans and activities for kids and parents. They also include 4-H coloring books and other curricula. When possible 4-H t-shirts are accompanying the boxes. The kits bring out the “heart” in the 4-H emblem, this generosity brings together families in this difficult situation.

The MS 4-H Foundation has set up a separate account for hurricane relief. Funds will go to 4-H families and to purchase supplies for the activity boxes. Donations should be sent to MS 4-H Foundation, Box 9601, MS State, MS 39762

Extension Educator Materials

This is an archived page from 2005. Some links and contact information may no longer be valid.

Donations for Animal Care in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

Many organizations are involved in the care of animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. This page lists some of the organizations that are requesting donations for the work they are doing.

As with charities that serve the human victims it is important to ensure that your donations are to a legitimate disaster relief organization with the experience and means to deliver aid. The Federal Trade Commission has consumer advice on selecting charities to which to donate, and on avoiding scams. It is important that the charity that you support is not only legitimate but has the access and the capability to deliver the assistance they claim.

The list provided here is only a partial list. Where possible, links to descriptions of what the organizations are actually doing are provided.

Louisiana Veterinary Medical Foundation
Funds sent to LVMF support a major evacuation shelter and treatment facility for animals on the campus of Louisiana State University and at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La. This is a joint operation by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, the Louisiana Animal Control Association and the Louisiana SPCA.
Information: http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/
Website for Donations: http://lvma.org/ Checks may be mailed to:

In 2004, EDEN created a page in its hurricane series about financial assistance for farms and rural areas. It included the content below. Note: due to the age of this information, some links may no longer work.

Farmer and Rancher Assistance - In counties designated as primary disaster areas, as well as contiguous counties, low-interest emergency loans are available for qualified farm operators. Indemnity payments may be available for those with Federal Crop Insurance and for those covered by the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. For more information on these programs, contact your local FSA Service Center or go to http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov. For Hurricane Charley, there was $2.5 billion in federal crop insurance in place in the affected counties. Farmers should contact their crop insurance agents for specific claim information. USDA's Risk Management Agency works closely with insurance providers to assess losses and expedite the payment of covered claims as quickly as possible.

Resources Volunteered

December 2013

What Happened to Our World: Helping Children Cope with Natural Disaster and Catastrophe

This resource, updated in 2011 for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, was referred to us by Andrea Burniske (IN) during the discussion of International Aid for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Andrea's comment on sharing this with the International Collaboration workgroup: "Mercy Corps has developed many of these tools as part of their program, Comfort for Kids (Katrina, Mitch, Gaza, Peru, Haiti, Japan and many other places). I worked with Mercy Corps in responding to the Peru Earthquake and we adapted some of the tools for child psychosocial help with schools there."

The resource was developed originally for disasters in the United States. Andrea provides this comparison: "The original approaches (9/11 and Katrina) were a bit different from what came later, overseas. The US approaches are more oriented to build the capacity of social workers, educators, and others who worked with the kids. The overseas approach was similar, although in situations where there often was less of a system in place (although this wasn’t the case in Japan), and so the approach was oriented towards NGO partners."

Published or Revised:11/26/2017

Author(s): Pat Skinner

The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) is made possible by USDA NIFA and our participating USDA Cooperative Extension and NOAA Sea Grant Extension programs. Over 300 delegates representing over 75 disciplines at 77 state Extension programs in 50 states and 3 US territories.